Oh, and national right-to-life groups certainly did not think that Senger’s bill merely “required better conditions for abortion clinics.” It’s the type of legislation that can drive out abortionists, and was the only aspect of the Texas abortion law that was challenged in federal court (a similar law in MS also was challenged because it would drive away the last few abortionists from the state).
I emailed a few members of the IL Center Right Coalition, a conservative, statewide group that was founded in 2003, and I asked for their opinions about Senger. I’m the ICRC vice-chairman and former chairma. Jon Zahm, the ICRC executive director and former chairman, said, “I prefer Balkema because Senger has some pro tax votes and Balkema is more conservative overall. He spoke at our meeting as well.” Jon was referring to a meeting that the ICRC held on Dec. 7, in Oakbrook Terrace. Senger was invited, but she didn’t respond to the email.